Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment for allergic reactions that involves gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic to stimulate the immune system without causing a serious allergic reaction. One form of this kind of treatment is allergy shots.
Allergy shots may be used when allergy medications are ineffective and allergens cannot be avoided, when allergy medications interact with other medications or cause bothersome side effects, when reducing long-term allergy medication use is desired, or when the individual is allergic to insect stings.
Here are the 13 thoughts everyone has when getting allergy shots.
It’s that time again.
You just checked the calendar and noticed that you're supposed to get allergy shots.
Guess I'd better make sure I have everything I need.
This list is longer if you're lucky enough to get your allergy shots at home.
Where are my EPI pens?
I'm supposed to carry them with me wherever I go, but I'm going to double-check and make sure I have them.
What if I have an allergic reaction to the shots?
Anaphylaxis is real, and it's serious.
Don’t look at the needle, don’t even think about it.
If I don't look at it, maybe it won't be as intimidating.
Give me that ice pack… now!
Hand over the ice pack, and no one gets hurt more than I'm hurting now.
I’m just going to sit here for a moment.
At least, until the room stops spinning...
Remember, this is to help with my allergies.
No pain no gain, right?
Honestly, that wasn’t so bad.
Why was I so worried before?
It’s that time… again.
No matter how many times you remind yourself of number 11 and 12, you'll go through the same cycle every time.